Stretching Scientifically: A Guide to Flexibility Training

by Thomas Kurz

Book Overview

Stretching Scientifically tells you how to workout and what kept you from becoming more flexible faster. It tells you all the whys of dos and don'ts so now you will know how to develop your... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0940149303
• ISBN13: 9780940149304
• Release Date: June 1994
• Publisher: Stadion Publishing Company, Inc.
• Length: 147 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Pure Power Stretching

I you have the time read the first chunk of text, otherwise read only the end. I would have to agree with one reviewer Fred Mertz, that this book somewhat lacks structure, and that there should be well-organized stretchingroutines for various needs and sports, but despite this i give it 5 stars. I would give it 6 stars if possible. However I think that a great part of this book is the underlying science. I strongly believe that if you know why, you get better results and you can perform your task more determined and confident. Intricate descriptions of ligaments, muscles, tendons, connective tissues, joint capsules etc are in the book. However if'd have it my way, even more science would be added, but still you can get result wheter you know or not the science. The author says; "do not stretch the ligaments" And some people will just respond "ok, I wont" but I would answer "Ok, but why?" But either if you want to know or not, this method works. Everything that I have read in this book and tryed has worked, its sound like a "loose 50 pounds of fat in 2 weeks with the new revolutionizing orange pill!" (which never works) but this one really works. Why? Science, science, science. The author/authors truly have a kings understanding of human anatomy and discards old myth about stretching. To be honest, with the results I have gained, it is the best book (or anything for that matter) I have bought IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. And you can quote me on that. I cant recommend this book more than anything to people who want flexibility do not get any results. Björn Ahlman, Sweden, Umeå

Results gauranteed

I was sceptical of much of what the author had to say but I could not doubt the body of literature he quoted and the scientific studies he quoted to buttress his arguments. Regardless, I applied his principles and I was astonished at the results especially the non-conventional kicking exercises in the morning with little warm up. In applying a few simple routines twice per day for less than 10 minutes I was able to dramatically increase flexibility AND strength resulting in much better axe, side, round house and spin hook kicks. The key to success is applying the principles and routines DAILY. I particularly liked how he debunked certain myths of stretching especially stretching BEFORE a workout. The body of scientific literature suggests that stretching before a workout is actually detrimental and he is astute in pointing this out. Some have argued that he does not provide sport specific routines, however, if you read carefully he points you to the correct chapters based upon your interests and allows you to decide which routines would be best for your interests. For example a martial artist who does alot of kicking would want to focus on lower body stretches whereas a wrestler would want to spend some time on upper body flexibility. In other words he wants you to think about what your goals are and use the routines accordingly. He clearly states which routines are best for various types of flexibility. This is a must have book for any serious martial artist.

All you want to know about stretching

This book contains all you could ever want to know about stretching. And it works... i have now tried it on my own body and I can highly recommend it for all. This is a must. If you are not into reading so much, then try Pavel Tsatsoulines Relax Into Stretch. It is basicly the same ideas but less science talk.

This book is good!!!!

This book tells you how to gain a rapid improvment in flexibilty. By using excersises shown in this book you will see these results: -Strong and elongated muscles. -Splits even if you are over 40 years old. -A maximum flexibilty. -Splits between two chairs.I have read several books about this issue and "Stretching Scientifically" is absolute the best one. Here is my point of view: This book is amazing!!!!

Stretching Scientifically yields phenomenal results

I read this book several years ago after starting martial arts training in my later 30's. Prior to following the methods of Stretching Scientifically, I had slightly better than average flexibility. In less than 6 months after reading this book, and most importantly, actually following its methods, I could do the full splits in all 3 directions while simultaneously flattening my body to the ground. Now at 40, I've maintained the stretch, and take full advantage of it in martial arts. I've trained with some great world-renowned martial artists, but have not met anybody who understands stretching the way Thomas Kurz does. This is a great book.